FAQ

Do I have to be experienced at embroidery to make one of these quilts?

No, we have designed these kits for all levels of ability and experience. Check out the kit descriptions to pick the level that is right for you.

Do I have to be an experienced quilter to assemble the quilt?

No. You will need a sewing machine, and you need to be able to sew a straight line. Since our fabric squares, borders, and bindings are accurately pre-cut for you, the quilt goes together in a snap.

Can I sew the quilt together without a walking foot attachment for my sewing machine?

You can piece the quilt top together using a standard presser foot, but when it comes time to sew all the layers together (backing, batting, and top) you will need a walking foot.

In most of our kits thebacking fabric is Minky.This incredibly soft fabric has a nap like velvet and some stretch, which can make it difficult to feed through the sewing machine. Using a walking foot will keep all of the layers even and prevent folds and wrinkles as you sew. If you don’t want to purchase a walking foot at this time, another option open to you is the classic hand-tied quilting method. We use this on the strip quilt. Check out the tutorials for further instructions.

I don’t have a sewing machine. How do I find someone to assemble my quilt?

We suggest asking a nearby quilt store. They can often refer you to a quilt finisher. You can also look for a seamstress to put this very basic design together.

Can I send my embroidered images and fabric square back to Sewing Bird to assemble my quilt?

Sorry, we are not offering finishing services at this time.

Can I change the floss colors?

We have carefully chosen floss colors that complement our fabric. If your heart desires a color not included in the kit, we recommend finding a craft store near you that sells floss by the skein. Please send us a photo for our gallery when you’re done.

What if I run out of floss?

We have provided adequate floss amounts to embroider the grey outlines and allow for some simple embellishments. If you have heavily filled in the shapes or have not separated the threads you might need to go to a nearby craft store to purchase more. The DMC color numbers are provided in the kits.

Will the grey line on the quilt square wash out?

No, the ink used to print our image blocks is permanent, so we advise making sure that your stitches cover the grey line.

Why are some lines dashed and some solid in the retro set?

In the retro set, we took into consideration that there might be participants with varying degrees of experience, so we provided options for everyone. Dashed lines can be easier for less experienced users.

Can I order the printed images?

Not at this time. Image squares are only available with kits.

What kind of batting should I buy?

There are many types of batting available in quilts shops and online. We like to use low loft 80/20 cotton poly blend, bamboo or 100% organic cotton. Be aware, 100% cotton works well but results in a flatter looking quilt. In cold climates, wool or wool cotton blends are another good choice.